Download the Discussion Document in PDF Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be hosting Chinese President Xi Jinping for an informal summit in the coastal town of Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu in October 2019. The summit is a timely opportunity to address some of the stressors that are fraying the fabric of the Wuhan spirit […]

Download the Discussion Document in PDF India’s burgeoning defence pensions expenditure is unsustainable and begs immediate action. Starting with the Kargil Review Committee, many solutions have been mooted over the last two decades to address this problem but none of them have fructified. Meanwhile, the expenditure has ballooned after the implementation of the One Rank […]

Download the Advisory in PDF This policy advisory contains recommendations and comments in response to the draft National Guidelines for Gene Therapy Product Development and Clinical Trials released by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in consultation with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Central Drug Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) in July 2019. We […]

The Indian government has made no secret of its interest in harnessing the power of AI. Over recent years, NITI Aayog has come up with a National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion designated an AI task force which came up with its own report, the interim budget earlier this […]

By the Takshashila Geostrategy Programme Download the Slidedoc in PDF ​Post Article 370 scenario: A worsened security situation in Jammu and Kashmir abetted by Pakistan, exacerbated by the absence of legitimate political channels, a weak economic infrastructure, and an inadequate administrative capacity. Further, this situation is unlikely to change for the better over the next two […]

Download the doctrine here. In the 21st century, India faces challenges of unprecedented scale and complexity that necessitate new ways of thinking about national security. We propose that yogakshema, an idea pioneered in the Arthashastra , should be the guiding light of India’s national security doctrine. Simply put, the State must provide security, kshema, and […]

By Lt Gen (Dr) Prakash Menon An edited version of this essay appeared first in the India Foundation Journal Vol. VII Issue No. 4, July-August, 2019 Download the Essay in PDF Unity in diversity provides utmost strength for India’s national developmental process. But diversity also begets divergent perspectives that shelter narrow interests and are naturally […]

Download the Discussion Document in PDF Six out of the eight nuclear weapons states have not ruled out first use of nuclear weapons. This document examines why states choose first use policies and the challenges involved in maintaining such a position. States can be motivated to acquire nuclear weapons for both existential reasons and the […]

Download the report in PDF This report argues that the Indian government must consider the strategic implications of allowing Huawei to have a role in building and operating India’s 5G network infrastructure. While there exists an economic rationale for providing Chinese telecom vendors access to the Indian market, these benefits need to be weighed against […]

Download the doctrine here Yogakshema बलं शक्ति: | सुखं सिद्धि:| Strength is power. And well-being is the goal. (Arthashastra, 6:2-31,32) To create and defend a conducive environment for yogakshema (well-being, prosperity, and happiness) of all Indians. At this stage of India’s development, national security is primarily focused on protecting and promoting India’s economic development. a. As […]

By Shambhavi Naik Download the Discussion Document in PDF Gene editing, synthetic biology, and improved delivery systems have reinvigorated the attention to biological weapons. Furthermore, the Biological Weapons Convention has repeatedly failed to agree to a verification mechanism, giving rise to suspicions that state actors may still be experimenting with biological weapons. Further, non-state actors […]

By Manoj Kewalramani, Anirudh Kanisetti, and Kunaal Kini Download the study in PDF A canal along the Isthmus of Kra could alter the strategic calculus for states across Southeast Asia, with China expected to benefit the most. In light of recent discussions around building the canal with the help of Chinese investors, this study examines […]

​Madhav Chandavarkar, Ajay Patri, and Divij Joshi Mobilised violence is detrimental to the democratic fabric of India. It prevents individuals from enjoying their right to speak, move and conduct business freely. It can also cause injuries and loss of life to bystanders, in addition to significant economic costs from a cessation of economic activity and damage to […]

Executive Summary In India, reform advocacy for the Intelligence community has largely been focused around parliamentary scrutiny over the intelligence agencies and removal of defunct ones. These suggested reforms, however, tend to overlook what is at the core of intelligence – people.  The success of intelligence operation is defined by the capability of officers conducting […]

The Justice Srikrishna Committee (formally called the Committee of Experts under the Chairmanship of Justice B N Srikrishna) is tasked with framing a robust data protection law for India. In November, 2017, the Committee released the White Paper – exploring the contours of data protection legislation across the world, and called upon stakeholders to comment […]

By Pranay Kotasthane, Devika Kher, Pavan Srinath, and Aashish Chajjer Download the paper in PDF Financing public health in India is a vital challenge. As a response, the Union government transfers funds to the lower tiers of government, specifically meant to improve the public health services. The stated goal of specific transfers is to ensure […]

Mobilised violence is detrimental to the democratic fabric of India. It prevents individuals from enjoying their right to speak, move and conduct business freely. It can also cause injuries and loss of life to bystanders, in addition to significant economic costs from a cessation of economic activity and damage to property. In this report, ‘mobilised violence’ is defined as an act or series of acts of violence committed by a group with the intent of furthering a political purpose.

By Ajay Patri and Manasa Venkataraman Executive Summary This document contains recommendations and comments in response to the draft Personal Data Protection Bill, 2018 (Bill) released by the Committee of Experts under the Chairmanship of Justice B. N. Srikrishna (Justice Srikrishna Committee) in July 2018. At the outset, we welcome the release of the Bill […]

By Manoj Kewalramani Download the paper in PDF Executive Summary In 2017, the Chinese government unveiled a plan to develop the country into the world’s primary innovation centre for artificial intelligence (AI) by 2030. In doing so, it identified AI as a strategic industry, crucial for enhancing economic development, national security and governance. This report […]

Executive Summary In 2017, the Doklam plateau became a flashpoint for the Asian powers, India and China. China’s tactics in Doklam are clear examples of its general “salami-slicing” strategy, a policy of gradual encroachment onto disputed territory where other claimants are forced to accede to a new status quo tilted in China’s favour. This Discussion […]

By Manasa Venkataraman and Ajay Patri The Takshashila Institution convened a Roundtable on 10 August 2018 to discuss issues arising from the documents released by the Justice Srikrishna Committee on 27 July 2018. These documents included the report titled A Free and Fair Digital Economy: Protecting Privacy, Empowering Indians and the draft Personal Data Protection Bill, […]

By Anupam Manur Download the paper in PDF [620 KB] Executive Summary Multi-sided platforms possess unique characteristics that differentiate them from a normal market structure. The presence of direct and indirect network effects, high switching costs, price parity clauses, vertical integration, and differentiated pricing structures between the two sides of the platform are unique to […]

By Pavan Srinath, Pranay Kotasthane, Devika Kher, Aashish Chhajer Download the paper in PDF [2 MB] Executive Summary Health policy is an essential pillar of human welfare. Given the high degree of externality, the State has to play a significant role in health and healthcare provision. Unfortunately, evidence shows that public spending on healthcare in […]

By Anirudh Kanisetti, Anupam Manur, and Pranay Kotasthane Download the Discussion Document in PDF [1.8 MB] Executive Summary “The New World Order” is a phrase often used but rarely understood. This discussion document proposes an analytical framework to decode what a New World Order means for India. The document presents a flexible action portfolio to […]

By Dr. Sudha Ramachandran, Hamsini Hariharan, and Shibani Mehta Download the Assessment in PDF [1 MB] The Pasthun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), a powerful civil and human rights movement, has rattled Pakistan’s political and military establishment by drawing huge crowds. The merger of the provinces of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) can […]

By Shambhavi Naik Download the Slidedoc in PDF [1.5 MB] Gene drives are being explored for alleviating vector-borne infectious diseases however, the risks of employing them need to be understood. This Slidedoc assesses the potential use of gene drives in India by performing a stage-wise risk assessment of deploying gene drive. Gene drive mosquitoes are […]

By Sudha Ramachandran, Hamsini Hariharan, and Shibani Mehta Download the Assessment in PDF [2.5 MB] Executive Summary The Doklam crisis is evidence that the regional security dynamic in the neighbourhood is being challenged. As Bhutan readies for its third National Assembly elections later this year, India must act to address Bhutanese concerns that are weakening the […]

By Manoj Kewalramani Download the Assessment in PDF [1.1 MB] Executive Summary Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Wuhan for a two-day informal meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on April 27 and 28, 2018. The two leaders are expected to discuss “issues of overarching, long-term and strategic importance” along with changes in the […]

By Sudha Ramachandran, Hamsini Hariharan, and Shibani Mehta Download the Assessment in PDF [700 KB] Executive Summary The victory of the former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) in the local bodies’ elections in Sri Lanka in February reflects public dissatisfaction with the ruling coalition’s performance. It also indicates that Rajapaksa continues to […]

By Anirudh Kanisetti, Hamsini Hariharan, and Manoj Kewalramani Download the Discussion Slidedoc in PDF [1.4 MB] This Slidedoc presents a strategic framework that provides insights into China’s behaviour and highlights various alternative policies that China may consider for engagement in the Indian Subcontinent. An underlying assumption is that China is modeled as a rational actor […]

By Rahul Matthan, Manasa Venkataraman, and Ajay Patri Download the Policy Advisory in PDF [650 KB] The Justice Srikrishna Committee (formally called the Committee of Experts under the Chairmanship of Justice B N Srikrishna) is tasked with framing a robust data protection law for India. In November, 2017, the Committee released the White Paper – […]

By Anirudh Kanisetti, Anupam Manur, Pranay Kotasthane, and Akshay Alladi Download the Discussion Document in PDF [5 MB] Over the next quarter century, the international order is likely to change considerably. A new geopolitical and macroeconomic context will necessitate a flexible strategy to maximise India’s national interest. In this Discussion Document, an analytical framework is […]

Download the Blue Paper in PDF [430 KB] This Blue Paper was prepared as a result of a roundtable discussion organised by the Takshashila Institution on 15 December 2017, based on the Discussion Document: A Framework for Governing Gene Editing. The discussion document developed an analytical framework to differentiate gene editing technologies into three broad […]

By Pranay Kotasthane and Vinay Kumar Singh Download the Working Paper in PDF [640 KB] Abstract The views of de Zwart (2015) related to the conflation of terms, “unintended consequences” and “unanticipated consequences”, the necessity to maintain their distinction and the need to take into account the “unintended but anticipated” consequences as a separate category […]

By Rahul Matthan, Manasa Venkataraman, and Ajay Patri Download the policy advisory in PDF [418 KB] This policy advisory is a curated set of responses to the discussion paper issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, seeking comments and suggestions on the creation of data protection laws. Executive Summary There is an urgent need […]

This policy advisory is a curated set of responses to the discussion paper issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, seeking comments and suggestions on the creation of data protection laws. Executive Summary There is an urgent need to bring forth effective data protection norms in India. However, these norms must be introduced and […]

By Anand Arni Download the assessment here [0.3MB PDF] This assessment takes a closer look at the events leading to the release of the Boyle-Coleman family from captivity in Pakistan. Key judgments from the assessment are: it is likely that this release is an offering presented by Pakistan before the Mattis/Tillerson visit to Pakistan. A clearer indication […]

By Madhav Chandavarkar, Anirudh Kanisetti, Shambhavi Naik, and Ajay Patri Download the Discussion Document in PDF [1.2 MB] Executive Summary Gene editing offers many benefits. They range from basic research that can enhance the scientific understanding of gene functions to practical applications like improved healthcare and agricultural production. At the same time, like other developing […]

Download the Blue Paper in PDF [480 KB[ This Blue Paper was prepared as a result of a roundtable discussion organised by the Takshashila Institution on 4 September 2017, based on the Discussion Document, Beyond Consent: A New Paradigm for Data Protection. The discussion document brings forth a rights-based model (Rights Model) to help secure […]

This Blue Paper was prepared as a result of a roundtable discussion organised by the Takshashila Institution on 4 September 2017, based on the Discussion Document, Beyond Consent: A New Paradigm for Data Protection. The discussion document brings forth a rights-based model (Rights Model) to help secure the interests of a data subject sharing his […]

By Madhav Chandavarkar, Anirudh Kanisetti, Ajay Patri, and Shambhavi Naik Download the Slides in PDF [460 KB] Gene editing, the idea of modifying genes, has long been the stuff of science fiction. But recent advancements in genetic editing has brought the discourse surrounding genetic editing to the forefront. Much of the discourse on gene editing, […]

By Pranay Kotasthane, Guru Aiyar, and Nitin Pai This is a draft of a chapter submitted to Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Pakistan, August 2017, Edited by Aparna Pande, ISBN: 9781138903715 Download the book chapter [PDF] Pakistan is not one geopolitical entity, but two: the putative state (represented currently by a civilian government), and the military—jihadi […]

By Rahul Matthan Download the Discussion Document in PDF [800 KB] EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Data protection is confined by consent (Consent Model). Once a data subject’s consent is obtained, a data controller is free to collect, process and use such data for the specified purpose and will not be liable for any consequences that might result […]

By The Takshashila Geostrategy Team The situation in the India-China border looks tense as the region is experiencing one of the longest impasse between Indian and Chinese troops. If the situation escalates into a potential conflict, the costs for both India and China are significantly high. This graphical representation provides an analysis of how India […]

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Data protection is confined by consent (Consent Model). Once a data subject’s consent is obtained, a data controller is free to collect, process and use such data for the specified purpose and will not be liable for any consequences that might result from its actions. This places the onus on an individual to […]

By Pranay Kotasthane Download the paper in PDF [2.3 MB] The India-Pakistan conflict has variously been described as an ‘enduring rivalry’ or a ‘protracted conflict’ — characterised by its long duration, recurrence of armed exchanges, and the involvement of state and non-state actors. This entrenched conflict began with the birth of the two states in […]

Download the slides as PDF [455 KB] The sharing of waters between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu of the Kaveri river has been the source of a serious political conflict between the states. The current river water management system system relies on court-administered water quotas, which is broken and dysfunctional. These slides propose to replace it […]

By Nitin Pai and Pranay Kotasthane Download the book chapter in PDF [214 KB] The debate of liberty versus security gains special significance in India with the emergence of Radically Networked Societies (RNSs). A Radically Networked Society is defined as a web of hyper connected individuals, possessing an identity (imagined or real), and motivated by […]

By Nitin Pai Download the slides as PDF [680 KB] Climate change has emerged as an important threat multiplier across the world. The instability brought forth by climate change has resulted in natural disasters, droughts and resource shortages in several regions, sometimes resulting in drastic migration of populace. In the Indian context, the rising river […]

By Dr. M Govinda Rao Download the essay in PDF [379 KB] India’s growth story remains highly attractive at a time of fragile global economic recovery, uneven growth and tremendous uncertainty around the global financial and commodity markets. However, taking the economy to a higher growth trajectory over the medium and long term requires considerable […]

By Dr. M Govinda Rao Download the essay in PDF [121 KB] The ruling party has hailed the Prime Minister’s announcement of ₹500 and ₹1000 notes becoming invalid as an historic and unprecedented attack on black economy. Conversely, the opposition has called the move a ‘monumental blunder’ and an ‘organised loot.’ For the most part, […]

by Pranay Kotasthane, The Takshashila Institution Download the Analysis in PDF [0.8MB] These slides interpret the “surgical strikes” conducted after the Uri terrorist attacks, using the India—Pakistan Conflict Escalation Framework. Based on this framework, the document proposes factors that can help make an Operational Conventional Retaliation work. This paper was presented at  the Takshashila Roundtable on […]

By Anupam Manur and Manasa Venkataraman Download the discussion document in PDF An Account of Unaccounted Income is a discussion document that takes an in-depth look at India’s unaccounted economy. It is important to distinguish between different categories of unaccounted economy, each of which has different method of functioning and different implications for the economy. […]

Download the Blue Paper in PDF[526kB] This Blue Paper on the contemporary role of airpower was prepared as a result of discussions with AVM Arjun Subramaniam. The discussions were held as part of Takshashila’s Bangalore Fellows Programme. The Blue Paper addresses the following questions: How does India go towards a mixed force structure of manned […]

By Madhav Chandavarkar and Manasa Venkataraman Download the Discussion Document in PDF (248 KB) Executive Summary The law for defamation in India impedes free speech more than it protects reputations. While it is vital to protect an individual’s right to reputation, this must not come at the cost of the right to criticise as the […]

By Nitin Pai and Anupam Manur Download India’s Currency Reform 2016 in PD (455 KB) The recent withdrawal of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denomination notes as legal tender has evoked various responses. On one hand the government’s stance is that this will reduce a large portion of unaccounted money (also popularly known as black […]

By Dr. M Govinda Rao Download the essay in PDF [442 KB] Given the political inclination to indulge in fiscal profligacy, it is important to ensure calibration of rule based fiscal policy to provide space to conduct monetary policies. Although there has been considerable progress in the conduct of rule based fiscal policy and ensuring […]

The Takshashila Institution and the US Consulate, Chennai, hosted a roundtable conference on reviewing India’s coastal security architecture at The Hyatt MG Road, on 23 September 2016. The roundtable discussion brought together experts who brainstormed ideas to secure India’s coastline, effectively and efficiently. The following slides provide an overview of the event, the key challenges […]

Pranay Kotasthane and Varun Ramachandra Analyse the State’s Finances after the Fourteenth Finance Commission (FFC). Download the Full Publication in PDF (114KB) Analysing the second Karnataka budget since the Fourteenth Finance Commission award, it is noted that, as assured, more fiscal space is made available to the state government. With greater untied funds, the state […]

The Indo-Pacific region has witnessed a huge surge in economic interaction, demographics and transnational security in recent years. The 2016 Australian Defence White Paper affirms that this is Australia’s region however, this is a vast maritime zone engaging the interests of various nations. These include India, Japan, China, the United States in addition to Indonesia, […]

Capacity Analysis for Evacuation of Indian Diaspora By Guru Aiyar, Takshashila Fellow Download the brief in PDF format (889KB) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Since 1991, India has been involved in six major evacuations from West Asia alone. Mass evacuations have become a recurrent feature and it is very likely that the Indian government will be called upon for […]

Privatising Film Certification: Towards a Modern Film Rating Regime Madhav Chandavarkar, Adhip Amin, Shikha Pathak, Siddarth Gore, Devika Kher and Guru Aiyar, The Takshashila Institution Download the policy advisory in PDF format (508KB) Executive Summary The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is in charge of the regulation of the exhibition of films in India under […]

India’s Policy towards Myanmar: Interests, determinants and risk factors Guru Aiyar and Priya Ravichandran, The Takshashila Institution Download the discussion document in PDF format (160KB) Executive Summary Myanmar’s elections in November 2015 have given a resounding verdict in the favour of National League for Democracy (NLD) led by Ms Aung San Suu Kyi. As a […]

Implementation of Pune’s City Parking Policy In response to the draft public parking policy of Pune Municipal Corporation Siddarth Gore, Scholar Centre for Smart City Governance, The Takshashila Institution Read the full Policy Brief [350KB PDF] Executive Summary The draft parking policy of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is based on progressive economic and well as […]

Sustained Dialogue Process as India’s Pakistan Policy: An assessment Rohan Joshi and Pranay Kotasthane, The Takshashila Institution Download the discussion document in PDF format (160KB) Executive Summary A prevalent view in India is that a sustained dialogue at the highest levels is the only realistic chance for peace with Pakistan. In this paper, we systematically […]

Quality of Service Based Differential Pricing for Data Services In response to comments sought by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on Differential Pricing for Data Services Sudeep Divakaran, Pranay Kotasthane and Pavan Srinath, The Takshashila Institution Takshashila Policy Advisory 2016-01 This document is the authors’ formal submission to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). […]

Distance from Delhi: Essays on Geopolitics, Economics and Public Policy by Anupam Manur, Devika Kher, Karthik Shashidhar, Madhav Chandavarkar, Pavan Srinath, Pranay Kotasthane, Priya Ravichandran, Sarah Farooqui, Rohan Joshi, Varun Ramachandra and Saurabh Chandra Edited by Sarah Farooqui Takshashila Institution Press 2015 ISBN: 978-8193197646 Rs. 295 About the book: India is not New Delhi and New Delhi is not India, though sometimes this gets […]

A Visible Hand by Narayan Ramachandran Edited by Anupam Manur Takshashila Institution Press 2015 ISBN: 978-8193197608 Rs. 295 About the book: A Visible Hand is a collection of essays from Narayan Ramachandran on the intersection of Economics, Politics, and Society. They offer a fresh perspective and original take on many aspects of emerging India – from the political […]

A Global Relocation Insurance to address the Challenge of International Migration from Climate Change Pavan Srinath, Pranay Kotasthane, Varun Ramachandra and Sarah Farooqui Takshashila Policy Brief 2015-03. Read the Policy Brief [177KB PDF] Executive Summary India has the opportunity to take the lead in setting a new agenda for international climate change discussions. India should propose a ‘Global […]

Case Study of the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) in the UK: Insights for India Shahana Sheikh and Mukul G. Asher Read the full case study in PDF [479KB] Abstract This paper has two main objectives. The first is to analyse United Kingdom’s experience of of more than two decades of PPP method or procurement in […]

Impact of Fourteenth Finance Commission, Karnataka Budget, 2015–16 Pranay Kotasthane and Varun K Ramachandra, The Takshashila Institution Commentary in Economic & Political Weekly, Vol – L No. 46-47, November 21, 2015 Download the full publication in PDF (146KB) Executive Summary This article identifies the Karnataka government’s responses and adjustments to the Fourteenth Finance Commission as a result […]

A Case Study of Metronet PPP in the UK: Implications for India Shahana Sheikh, Mukul G. Asher and V. Ramakrishnan Read the full case study here[504 KB] Abstract This paper analyses the challenges faced by the policy makers in the U.K. in designing, managing, and winding up of a Metronet Public-Private-Partnership (Project), with a value […]

The looming United States pivot towards containing China’s influence V. Anantha Nageswaran and Pranay Kotasthane, The Takshashila Institution Download the discussion document in PDF format (315KB) Executive Summary The United States has played a big role in the economic and political transformation of China since the Sino-Soviet clashes in 1969. This long run seems to […]

Economic Reasoning and Social Policy Mukul Asher, Councillor at the Takshashila Institution Based on a keynote address to 12th East Asian Social Policy (EASP) Conference, 
 “Social Policy and Governance in East Asia” in Singapore, July 30-31, 2015. Download the discussion document in PDF Format (507KB) ABSTRACT There is growing consensus that in the 21st century, broad based […]

The India—Pakistan conflict escalation framework Pranay Kotasthane, Pavan Srinath, Nitin Pai and Varun Ramachandra, The Takshashila Institution Download the discussion document in PDF format (339KB) Executive Summary The India—Pakistan conflict has variously been described as an ‘enduring rivalry’ or a ‘protracted conflict’ — characterised by its long duration, recurrence of armed exchanges, and the involvement […]

Mapping India’s response to Iran’s changing global status and regional influence Sumitha Narayanan Kutty, Scholar at the Takshashila Institution (2014—2015) Download the Policy Brief in PDF Format (1MB) Executive Summary The time is now apt to calculate how Iran’s international standing and its regional influence play out in the medium-to-long term and to prepare New […]

The Eightfold Path to India’s Nuclear Fuel Supply Security Nitin Pai and Pranay Kotasthane Book chapter in  Energy Security Challenges: Non Traditional Security Planning in India by Centre for Public Policy Research, Kochi. Read the ebook in PDF [704KB] Summary This chapter presents eight principles to help India secure its nuclear energy infrastructure. The eightfold path […]

Conference Paper: ICT Governance Agenda For BRICS — An Eightfold Path by Pranay Kotasthane & Nitin Pai as part of VII BRICS Academic Forum, organised by the NCI BRICS under the chairmanship of the Russian Federation in the BRICS, held in central Moscow hotel Four Seasons Hotel Moscow 22-23 May 2015 An Eightfold path to […]

The Eightfold Path to Nuclear Fuel Supply Security Nitin Pai and Pranay Kotasthane, The Takshashila Institution Download the Discussion Document in PDF format (1.0MB) Executive Summary This document presents eight principles to help India secure its nuclear energy infrastructure. The eightfold path outlined below will allow India to exploit the nuclear option to achieve its […]

Networked Societies and Hierarchical States: The Emerging Challenge to Political Order Nitin Pai and Sneha Shankar Conference paper in Promoting Democracy for Creating a Better and Peaceful World: Regional, National and Local Perspectives Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi. Read the full paper in PDF [364 KB] Introduction The structure of the modern nation-state was forged […]

Public Procurement Legislation Essential for Improving Public Financial Management in India Mukul G. Asher, Tarun Sharma and Shahana Sheikh In response to input sought by the Ministry of Finance on the 2012 Public Procurement Bill. Read the full Policy Brief [179 KB] Executive Summary The new Indian government elected in May 2014 has commendably decided […]

Book Chapter: Promoting human rights in the Indo-Pacific: Prospects, drivers and constraints by Nitin Pai and Sushant K Singh in Shifting Power and Human Rights Diplomacy: India Amnesty International Netherlands Abstract India can be a partner to governments and organisations seeking to promote human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Unlike most other powers in this region, […]

The Economics of Derivatives by TV Somanathan and V Anantha Nageswaran Cambridge University Press 2015 ISBN: 9781107091504 Rs. 590 | $85.50 About the book: While most books on derivatives discuss how they work, this book looks at the contributions of derivatives to overall economic well-being. It examines both the beneficial and adverse effects of derivatives trading […]

A Survey of India’s Energy Prospects in the Middle East Region Kabir Taneja, Scholar at the Takshashila Institution Download the Discussion Document in PDF format (1.0MB) Executive Summary Oil and natural gas are expected to remain India’s main source of energy in the coming two to three decades, and India needs to steadily increase and […]

Risks to India’s national security from tensions along the Iran-Pakistan border Sumitha Narayanan Kutty and Pranay Kotasthane, The Takshashila Institution Download the Takshashila Strategic Assessment in PDF format (0.3MB) Key Judgements Border confrontations between Iran and Pakistan have risen sharply since February 2014, when five Iranian border guards were abducted by the Jaish ul-Adl Sunni militant group […]

Reforming ONGC Videsh for India’s Energy Security Ameya Naik, Scholar at the Takshashila Institution Download the Policy Brief in PDF format (1.0MB) Executive Summary ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) is the overseas arm of ONGC, India’s primary nationalised oil company. OVL can and must play a critical role in ensuring India’s energy security, which must involve […]

China’s Economic Outlook in 2015: The Trump Card of a Yuan Devaluation V Anantha Nageswaran, Co-Founder and Fellow for Geoeconomics, the Takshashila Institution. Abstract China’s real economy grew at an average rate of 9.8% annually for the last thirty-four years, up to 2013. In October 2014, the International Monetary Fund declared China to be the world’s largest […]

Download the full paper in PDF [53 KB] Terrorism is a major security concern in India and Pakistan. Both nations have been victims of vicious acts of terror and have continually blamed each other. As new threats are emerging in this field it is time to look at implementing remedial measures. The India-Pakistan Intelligence Cooperation […]

Helping Karnataka’s industries reach new heights: Industrial policy recommendations for 2014 Pavan Srinath, Nitin Pai, Narayan Ramachandran and Varsha Ramachandran Read the policy advisory [170KB] Abstract: This policy advisory constitutes the recommendations of the Takshashila Institution for Karnataka’s draft Industrial Policy 2014-2019, as well as a few questions for the drafting committee. The advisory recommends the […]

This Discussion Document provides directions for the 2014 and future budgets focussing on the budget-making processes, subsidies, fiscal dominance of monetary policy, inflation expectations, bank ownership and fiscal consolidation.

Bringing IT Act 2000 in Alignment with the Constitution In response to input sought by the Law Commission of India on media and privacy Rohan Joshi and Ranjeet Rane, The Takshashila Institution Takshashila Policy Advisory 2014-01 This document is the authors’ formal submission to the Law Commission of India. The commission floated a Consultation Paper […]

Transition to Labor Law Reform: State-Level Initiatives &Informal Sector Labor Relations Hemal Shah, Scholar at the Takshashila Institution The Indian Journal of Industrial Relations, Vol. 50, No. 1, July 2014 Abstract The 1991 economic reforms in India quadrupled growth, but kept good quality jobs stagnant. About 93 percent of the workforce is employed in the […]

Resolving the Indo-Bangladesh Maritime Dispute Piyush Singh and Pranay Kotasthane, the Takshashila Institution This discussion document investigates the Indo-Bangladesh maritime dispute and presents policy options for the Indian government. Indo-Bangladesh relations have been consistently hit by several contentious issues. One of these challenges is the longstanding maritime dispute over territorial waters and exclusive economic zones […]

Making India’s Labour Market More Flexible Hemal Shah, Scholar at the Takshashila Institution This policy brief presents a workable approach to labour reforms, to break six decades of deadlock. These are reforms that can result in marginal progress that can ease the transition to bigger reforms in the future. Small tweaks to social security coverage […]

Book Chapter: India and International Norms: R2P, Genocide Prevention, Human Rights, and Democracy Nitin Pai, Co-Founder and Director of the Takshashila Institution in Shaping the Emerging World: India and the Multilateral Order W.P.S. Sidhu, Pratap Bhanu Mehta and Bruce Jones Brookings Institution Press, 358 pages. (2013) Buy the book on Amazon. Introduction The doctrine of […]

Book Chapter: India and International Norms: R2P, Genocide Prevention, Human Rights, and Democracy Richard Gowan and Sushant K. Singh. Sushant is a fellow for national security at the Takshashila Institution. in Shaping the Emerging World: India and the Multilateral Order W.P.S. Sidhu, Pratap Bhanu Mehta and Bruce Jones Brookings Institution Press, 358 pages. (2013) Buy […]

Towards greater labour market flexibility: Issues and Options Hemal Shah, Scholar at the Takshashila Institution This report proposes how we could think about a workable approach to labour market reform, different from the polarised debates we have seen so far. It recommends that such an approach could be started by making small tweaks to social […]

By Rohan Joshi, Fellow at the Takshashila Insitution Executive Summary As part of the 2011-­2012 annual report of the Department of Telecommunications, the Government of India formally announced its decision to implement a Centralised Monitoring System (CMS) for the “lawful interception and monitoring” of electronic communication channels in the country. The rapid acceptance of mobile […]

The ambush of a convoy of Congress party leaders in Chhattisgarh on May 25th, 2013, was one of the most ambitious attacks by the Maoists. It was a well-planned attack and shows a complete security and intelligence failure. The most pressing challenge for the state government is to ensure the sanctity of the electoral process for the forthcoming assembly elections.

This issue brief discusses the implications of elections to 272 directly elected seats of Pakistan’s National Assembly earlier this month. The elections resulted in a huge vote of confidence in Nawaz Sharif’s leadership.

The big decision here is whether or not India wants to share its data with anyone under any circumstances. India recently started sharing maritime data with countries in the Indian Ocean Region. The Information Fusion Centre is actively interacting with the maritime community and has already built linkages with 18 countries and 15 multinational/maritime security […]

The hopes of a harmonious, balanced relationship between India and China post-Wuhan have not been realised. In fact, little has changed in the overall trajectory of the Indo-China bilateral relationship of limited co-operation and strategic competition. Therefore, the Mamallapuram summit will make for good optics for both Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi, but it is […]

The Print’s daily roundtable TalkPoint posed a question connected to the Narendra Modi-Xi Jinping informal summit in Mamallapuram: What can Modi-Xi agree on to call their Mamallapuram meeting a success? Manoj Kewalramani, Fellow-China Studies at The Takshashila Institution, was among the discussants. Manoj argued: My expectations from the Modi-Xi summit are very low for mainly two reasons. First, […]

Eye on China is a weekly bulletin offering news and analysis related to the Middle Kingdom from an Indian interests perspective. This week we cover Xi Jinping’s arrival in India for the second informal summit; Imran Khan’s visit to China; Beijing’s announcement of major taxation reforms; the US and China heading towards a partial trade […]

Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Imran Khan, and Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited China last week. Bajwa met the top military commanders of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). A statement by Pakistan military’s Inter-Services Public Relations said, “General Bajwa met General Han Weiguo, PLA Commander Army and General Xu Qiliang, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission […]

Regulations and Guidelines on Biosafety of Recombinant DNA Research & Biocontainment 2017 In the recent past, there have two incidents at biodefense facilities – one in the US and one in Russia. More on that in the Its All Controversial section, but it is fair to say that countries which stock or do research on pathogens need […]

While India and China will hold the second informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping today and tomorrow, events over the past few weeks have dampened the prospects of forward movement on the boundary dispute. The first informal summit between Xi and Modi in Wuhan in 2018 had provided a tentative […]

The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) received an upgrade last week when the foreign ministers of Australia, Japan, India and the US met at the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The Quad was conceived in 2007 to address the unconventional threats in the Asia-Pacific region. But China viewed this grouping as a ganging-up of […]

The PRC celebrated its 70th anniversary today, with much pomp and pageantry in Beijing. President Xi Jinping delivered a brief and rather underwhelming speech, emphasising the unity, development and strength of the PRC. “There is no force that can shake the foundation of this great nation. Socialist China is standing in front of the world. No force can […]

Prakash Menon talks about two very important and urgent matters and how they actually go hand in hand. Nuclear warfare and climate change. In this talk, you learn how we will find ourselves in the middle of a nuclear apocalypse if we don’t implement change now. This talk was given at a TEDx event using […]